System and method for power outage and restoration notification in an advanced metering infrastructure network

ABSTRACT

A method and system are provided to transmit a meter power status. The method includes recognizing a power status change at a meter. The method includes, if the meter is scheduled to transmit first, transmitting a notification message to at least one neighboring meter towards a mesh gate, wherein the notification message includes a power status indicator and a meter identifier. The method includes, if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first, waiting a predetermined time period to receive a notification message from at least one neighboring meter. The method includes, responsive to receiving a notification message, adding a meter identifier to the received notification message before retransmitting the modified notification message to at least one neighboring meter. The method includes retransmitting the notification message.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to the following UnitedStates provisional patent applications which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety:

-   -   Ser. No. 60/989,957 entitled “Point-to-Point Communication        within a Mesh Network”, filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0004-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,967 entitled “Efficient And Compact Transport        Layer And Model For An Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)        Network,” filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0003-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,958 entitled “Creating And Managing A Mesh        Network Including Network Association,” filed Nov. 25, 2007        (Attorney Docket No. TR0005-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,964 entitled “Route Optimization Within A Mesh        Network,” filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0007-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,950 entitled “Application Layer Device Agnostic        Collector Utilizing ANSI C12.22,” filed Nov. 25, 2007        (TR0009-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,953 entitled “System And Method For Real Time        Event Report Generation Between Nodes And Head End Server In A        Meter Reading Network Including From Smart And Dumb Meters,”        filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0010-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,956 entitled “System and Method for False Alert        Filtering of Event Messages Within a Network”, filed Nov. 25,        2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0011-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,975 entitled “System and Method for Network        (Mesh) Layer And Application Layer Architecture And Processes,”        filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0014-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,959 entitled “Tree Routing Within a Mesh        Network,” filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0017-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,961 entitled “Source Routing Within a Mesh        Network,” filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0019-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,962 entitled “Creating and Managing a Mesh        Network,” filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0020-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,951 entitled “Network Node And Collector        Architecture For Communicating Data And Method Of        Communications,” filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0021-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,955 entitled “System And Method For Recovering        From Head End Data Loss And Data Collector Failure In An        Automated Meter Reading Infrastructure,” filed Nov. 25, 2007        (Attorney Docket No. TR0022-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,952 entitled “System And Method For Assigning        Checkpoints To A Plurality Of Network Nodes In Communication        With A Device Agnostic Data Collector,” filed Nov. 25, 2007        (Attorney Docket No. TR0023-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/989,954 entitled “System And Method For        Synchronizing Data In An Automated Meter Reading        Infrastructure,” filed Nov. 25, 2007 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0024-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,285 entitled “Outage and Restoration        Notification within a Mesh Network”, filed Jan. 31, 2008        (Attorney Docket No. TR0026-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/992,312 entitled “Mesh Network Broadcast,” filed        Dec. 4, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0027-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/992,313 entitled “Multi Tree Mesh Networks”, filed        Dec. 4, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0028-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 60/992,315 entitled “Mesh Routing Within a Mesh        Network,” filed Dec. 4, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. TR0029-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,279 entitled “Point-to-Point Communication        within a Mesh Network”, filed Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0030-PRO), and which are incorporated by reference.    -   Ser. No. 61/025,270 entitled “Application Layer Device Agnostic        Collector Utilizing Standardized Utility Metering Protocol Such        As ANSI C12.22,” filed Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0031-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,276 entitled “System And Method For Real-Time        Event Report Generation Between Nodes And Head End Server In A        Meter Reading Network Including Form Smart And Dumb Meters,”        filed Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0032-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,282 entitled “Method And System for Creating And        Managing Association And Balancing Of A Mesh Device In A Mesh        Network,” filed Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0035-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,271 entitled “Method And System for Creating And        Managing Association And Balancing Of A Mesh Device In A Mesh        Network,” filed Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0037-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,287 entitled “System And Method For Operating        Mesh Devices In Multi-Tree Overlapping Mesh Networks”, filed        Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0038-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,278 entitled “System And Method For Recovering        From Head End Data Loss And Data Collector Failure In An        Automated Meter Reading Infrastructure,” filed Jan. 31, 2008        (Attorney Docket No. TR0039-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,273 entitled “System And Method For Assigning        Checkpoints to A Plurality Of Network Nodes In Communication        With A Device-Agnostic Data Collector,” filed Jan. 31, 2008        (Attorney Docket No. TR0040-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,277 entitled “System And Method For        Synchronizing Data In An Automated Meter Reading        Infrastructure,” filed Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0041-PRO);    -   Ser. No. 61/025,285 entitled “System and Method for Power Outage        and Restoration Notification in An Automated Meter Reading        Infrastructure,” filed Jan. 31, 2008 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0042-PRO); and    -   Ser. No. 61/094,116 entitled “Message Formats and Processes for        Communication Across a Mesh Network,” filed Sep. 4, 2008        (Attorney Docket No. TR0049-PRO).

This application hereby references and incorporates by reference each ofthe following United States nonprovisional patent applications filedcontemporaneously herewith:

-   -   Ser. No. ______ entitled “Point-to-Point Communication within a        Mesh Network”, filed Nov. 21, 2008 (Attorney Docket No.        TR0004-US);    -   Ser. No. ______ entitled “Efficient And Compact Transport Layer        And Model For An Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)        Network,” filed Nov. 21, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0003-US);    -   Ser. No. ______ entitled “Communication and Message Route        Optimization and Messaging in a Mesh Network,” filed Nov. 21,        2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0007-US);    -   Ser. No. ______ entitled “Collector Device and System Utilizing        Standardized Utility Metering Protocol,” filed Nov. 21, 2008        (Attorney Docket No. TR0009-US);    -   Ser. No. ______ entitled “System and Method for False Alert        Filtering of Event Messages Within a Network,” filed Nov. 21,        2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0011-US);    -   Ser. No. ______ entitled “Method and System for Creating and        Managing Association and Balancing of a Mesh Device in a Mesh        Network,” filed Nov. 21, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0020-US);        and    -   Ser. No. ______ entitled “System And Method For Operating Mesh        Devices In Multi-Tree Overlapping Mesh Networks”, filed Nov. 21,        2008 (Attorney Docket No. TR0038-US).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains generally to methods and systems for providingpower outage and restoration notifications within an Advanced MeteringInfrastructure (AMI) network.

BACKGROUND

A mesh network is a wireless network configured to route data betweennodes within a network. It allows for continuous connections andreconfigurations around broken or blocked paths by retransmittingmessages from node to node until a destination is reached. Mesh networksdiffer from other networks in that the component parts can all connectto each other via multiple hops. Thus, mesh networks are self-healing:the network remains operational when a node or a connection fails.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) or Advanced Metering Management(AMM) are systems that measure, collect and analyze utility usage, fromadvanced devices such as electricity meters, gas meters, and watermeters, through a network on request or a pre-defined schedule. Thisinfrastructure includes hardware, software, communications, customerassociated systems and meter data management software. Theinfrastructure allows collection and distribution of information tocustomers, suppliers, utility companies and service providers. Thisenables these businesses to either participate in, or provide, demandresponse solutions, products and services. Customers may alter energyusage patterns from normal consumption patterns in response to demandpricing. This improves system load and reliability.

A meter may be installed on a power line, gas line, or water line andwired into a power grid for power. During an outage, the meter may ceaseto function. When power is restored, meter functionality may berestored.

SUMMARY

A method and system provide power outage and restoration notificationswithin an AMI network. Mesh networks are used to connect meters of anAMI in a geographical area. Each meter may communicate with itsneighbors via the mesh network. A mesh gate links the mesh network to aserver over a wide area network (WAN). When a power outage occurs amongthe meters of a mesh network, leaf meters transmit outage messagesfirst. Parent meters add a parent identifier before forwarding theoutage messages. This reduces the number of transmitted outage messageswithin the mesh network. Similarly, restoration messages are transmittedfrom the leaf nodes first, while parent nodes piggy-back parentidentifiers when forwarding the restoration messages from the leafmeters.

In one aspect, there is provided a system and method for power outageand restoration notification in an advanced metering infrastructurenetwork.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of transmitting a meterpower status, including: recognizing a power status change at a meter;if the meter is scheduled to transmit first, transmitting a notificationmessage to at least one neighboring meter towards a mesh gate, whereinthe notification message includes a power status indicator and a meteridentifier; if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first, waiting apredetermined time period to receive a notification message from atleast one neighboring meter; responsive to receiving a notificationmessage, adding a meter identifier to the received notification messagebefore retransmitting the modified notification message to at least oneneighboring meter; and retransmitting the notification message.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of transmitting a networkpower status, including: receiving at least one notification messagefrom a meter, wherein the notification message includes a power statusindicator and at least one meter identifier; aggregating the receivedmeter identifiers into a composite notification message, the compositenotification message including a power status indicator and at least onemeter identifier; transmitting the composite notification message to aserver over a wide area network; and retransmitting the compositenotification message.

In another aspect, there is provided a system for transmitting a networkpower status, including: (A) a mesh network; (B) a wide area networkseparate from the mesh network; (C) at least one meter in communicationwith the mesh network, the meter configured to: recognize a power statuschange at a meter, if the meter is scheduled to transmit first, transmita notification message to at least one neighboring meter towards a meshgate, wherein the notification message includes a power status indicatorand a meter identifier, if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first,wait a predetermined time period to receive a notification message fromat least one neighboring meter, responsive to receiving a notificationmessage, adding a meter identifier to the received notification messagebefore retransmitting the modified notification message to at least oneneighboring meter, and retransmitting the notification message; (D) amesh gate in communication with the meter over the mesh network and incommunication with the wide area network, the mesh gate configured to:receive at least one notification message from a meter, wherein thenotification messages include a power status indicator and at least onemeter identifier, aggregate the received meter identifiers into acomposite notification message, the composite notification messageincludes a power status indicator and at least one meter identifier,transmit the composite notification message to a server over a wide areanetwork, and retransmitting the composite notification message; and (E)a server in communication with the mesh gate over the wide area network,the server configured to receive the composite notification message.

In another aspect, there is provided a system for transmitting a networkpower status, including: a mesh network; a wide area network separatefrom the mesh network; at least one meter in communication with the meshnetwork; a mesh gate in communication with the meter over the meshnetwork and in communication with the wide area network; and a server incommunication with the mesh gate over the wide area network, the serverconfigured to receive the composite notification message.

In another aspect, there is provided a computer program stored in acomputer readable form for execution in a processor and a processorcoupled memory to implement a method of transmitting a meter powerstatus, the method including: recognizing a power status change at ameter; if the meter is scheduled to transmit first, transmitting anotification message to at least one neighboring meter towards a meshgate, wherein the notification message includes a power status indicatorand a meter identifier; if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first,waiting a predetermined time period to receive a notification messagefrom at least one neighboring meter; responsive to receiving anotification message, adding a meter identifier to the receivednotification message before retransmitting the modified notificationmessage to at least one neighboring meter; and retransmitting thenotification message.

In another aspect, there is provided a computer program stored in acomputer readable form for execution in a processor and a processorcoupled memory to implement a method of transmitting a network powerstatus, including: receiving at least one notification message from ameter, wherein the notification message includes a power statusindicator and at least one meter identifier; aggregating the receivedmeter identifiers into a composite notification message, the compositenotification message including a power status indicator and at least onemeter identifier; transmitting the composite notification message to aserver over a wide area network; and retransmitting the compositenotification message.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of transmitting a meterpower status, including: recognizing a power status change at a meter;if the meter is scheduled to transmit first, transmitting a notificationmessage from the meter to at least one neighboring meter towards a meshgate, wherein the notification message includes a power status indicatorand a meter identifier; if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first,waiting a predetermined time period to receive a notification messagefrom at least one neighboring meter; responsive to receiving anotification message, adding a meter identifier to the receivednotification message before retransmitting the modified notificationmessage to at least one neighboring meter, wherein the notificationmessage includes a power status indicator and at least one meteridentifier; aggregating the received meter identifiers into a compositenotification message, the composite notification message including apower status indicator and at least one meter identifier; transmittingthe composite notification message to a server over a wide area network;and retransmitting the composite notification message.

In another aspect, there is provided a computer program stored in acomputer readable form for execution in a processor and a processorcoupled memory to implement a method of transmitting a meter powerstatus, the method including: recognizing a power status change at ameter; if the meter is scheduled to transmit first, transmitting anotification message from the meter to at least one neighboring metertowards a mesh gate, wherein the notification message includes a powerstatus indicator and a meter identifier; if the meter is not scheduledto transmit first, waiting a predetermined time period to receive anotification message from at least one neighboring meter; responsive toreceiving a notification message, adding a meter identifier to thereceived notification message before retransmitting the modifiednotification message to at least one neighboring meter, wherein thenotification message includes a power status indicator and at least onemeter identifier; aggregating the received meter identifiers into acomposite notification message, the composite notification messageincluding a power status indicator and at least one meter identifier;transmitting the composite notification message to a server over a widearea network; and retransmitting the composite notification message.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for providing AMI communicationsover a mesh network.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example meter for use within a mesh network.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example mesh gate for use within a mesh network.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example network stack for use within a mesh radio.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example procedure for transmitting outage andrestoration notifications from a meter within a mesh network.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example procedure for transmitting outage andrestoration notifications from a mesh gate within a wide area network.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first timing of transmitting outage notificationsfrom a meter within a mesh network.

FIG. 5B illustrates a second timing of transmitting outage notificationsfrom a meter within a mesh network.

FIG. 6 illustrates a timing of transmitting restoration notificationsfrom a meter within a mesh network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for providing AMI communicationsover a mesh network. A mesh network A 100 may include a mesh gate A 102and a plurality of meters: meters A 104, B 106, C 108, D 110, E 112, andF 114. A mesh gate may also be referred to as a NAN-WAN gate or anaccess point. The mesh gate A 102 may communicate to a server 118 over awide area network 116. Optionally, a mesh gate B 120 and a mesh networkB 122 may also communicate with the server 118 over the wide areanetwork (WAN) 116. Optionally, a mesh gate C 124 and a mesh network C126 may also communicate with the server 118 over the wide area network116.

In one example embodiment, the server 118 is known as a “head end.” Themesh gate may also be known as a collector, a concentrator, or an accesspoint.

It will be appreciated that a mesh device association can include aregistration for application service at the mesh gate A 102 or theserver 118. The mesh gate A 102 and the server 118 can maintain a tableof available applications and services and requesting mesh devices.

The mesh network A 100 may include a plurality of mesh gates and meterswhich cover a geographical area. The meters may be part of an AMI systemand communicate with the mesh gates over the mesh network. For example,the AMI system may monitor utilities usage, such as gas, water, orelectricity usage and usage patterns.

The mesh gate A 102 may provide a gateway between the mesh network A 100and a server, discussed below. The mesh gate A 102 may include a meshradio to communicate with the mesh network A 100 and a WAN communicationinterface to communicate with a WAN.

The mesh gate A 102 may aggregate information from meters within themesh network A 100 and transmit the information to the server. The meshgate A 102 may be as depicted below. It will be appreciated that whileonly one mesh gate is depicted in the mesh network A 100, any number ofmesh gates may be deployed within the mesh network A 100, for example,to improve transmission bandwidth to the server and provide redundancy.A typical system will include a plurality of mesh gates within the meshnetwork. In a non-limiting embodiment for an urban or metropolitangeographical area, there may be between 1 and 100 mesh gates, thoughthis is not a limitation of the invention. In one embodiment, each meshgate supports approximately 400 meters, depending on systemrequirements, wireless reception conditions, available bandwidth, andother considerations. It will be appreciated that it is preferable tolimit meter usage of bandwidth to allow for future upgrades.

The meters A 104, B 106, C 108, D 110, E 112, and F 114 may each be amesh device, such as a meter depicted below. The meters may beassociated with the mesh network A 100 through direct or indirectcommunications with the mesh gate A 102. Each meter may forward or relaytransmissions from other meters within the mesh network A 100 towardsthe mesh gate A. It will be appreciated that while only six meters aredepicted in the mesh network A 100, any number of meters may be deployedto cover any number of utility lines or locations.

As depicted, only meters A 104 and D 110 are in direct communicationswith mesh gate A 102. However, meters B 106, E 112 and F 114 can allreach mesh gate A 102 through meter D 110. Similarly, meter C 108 canreach mesh gate A 102 through meter E 112 and meter D 110.

The wide area network (WAN) 116 may be any communication medium capableof transmitting digital information. For example, the WAN 116 may be theInternet, a cellular network, a private network, a phone line configuredto carry a dial-up connection, or any other network.

The server 118 may be a computing device configured to receiveinformation from a plurality of mesh networks and meters. The server 118may also be configured to transmit instructions to the mesh networks,mesh gates, and meters.

It will be appreciated that while only one server is depicted, anynumber of servers may be used in the AMI system. For example, serversmay be distributed by geographical location. Redundant servers mayprovide backup and failover capabilities in the AMI system.

The optional mesh gates B 120 and C 124 may be similar to mesh gate A102, discussed above. Each mesh gate may be associated with a meshnetwork. For example, mesh gate B 120 may be associated with meshnetwork B 122 and mesh gate C 124 may be associated with mesh network C126.

The mesh network B 122 and the mesh network C 126 may be similar to themesh network A 102. Each mesh network may include a plurality of meters(not depicted).

Each mesh network may cover a geographical area, such as a premise, aresidential building, an apartment building, or a residential block.Alternatively, the mesh network may include a utilities network and beconfigured to measure utilities flow at each sensor. Each mesh gatecommunicates with the server over the WAN, and thus the server mayreceive information from and control a large number of meters or meshdevices. Mesh devices may be located wherever they are needed, withoutthe necessity of providing wired communications with the server.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example meter for use within a mesh network. Ameter 200 may include a radio 202, a communication card 204, a meteringsensor 206, and a battery or other power or energy storage device orsource 208. The radio 202 may include a memory 210, a processor 212, atransceiver 214, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) 216 or other processoror processing logic.

A mesh device can be any device configured to participate as a nodewithin a mesh network. An example mesh device is a mesh repeater, whichcan be a wired device configured to retransmit received meshtransmissions. This extends a range of a mesh network and provides meshnetwork functionality to mesh devices that enter sleep cycles.

The meter 200 may be a mesh device communicating with a mesh gate andother mesh devices over a mesh network. For example, the meter 200 maybe a gas, water or electricity meter installed in a residential buildingor other location to monitor utilities usage. The meter 200 may alsocontrol access to utilities on server instructions, for example, byreducing the flow of gas, water or electricity.

The radio 202 may be a mesh radio configured to communicate with a meshnetwork. The radio 202 may transmit, receive, and forward messages tothe mesh network. Any meter within the mesh network may thus communicatewith any other meter or mesh gate by communicating with its neighbor andrequesting a message be forwarded.

The communication card 204 may interface between the radio 202 and thesensor 206. Sensor readings may be converted to radio signals fortransmission over the radio 202. The communication card 204 may includeencryption/decryption or other security functions to protect thetransmission. In addition, the communication card 204 may decodeinstructions received from the server.

The metering sensor 206 may be a gas, water, or electricity metersensor, or another sensor. For example, digital flow sensors may be usedto measure a quantity of utilities consumed within a residence orbuilding. Alternatively, the sensor 206 may be an electricity meterconfigured to measure a quantity of electricity flowing over a powerline.

The battery 208 may be configured to independently power the meter 200during a power outage. For example, the battery 208 may be a largecapacitor storing electricity to power the meter 200 for at least fiveminutes after a power outage. Small compact but high capacity capacitorsknown as super capacitors are known in the art and may advantageously beused. One exemplary super capacitor is the SESSCAP 50 f 2.7 v 18×30 mmcapacitor. Alternative battery technologies may be used, for example,galvanic cells, electrolytic cells, fuel cells, flow cells, and voltaiccells.

It will be appreciated that the radio 202, communication card 204,metering sensor 206 and battery 208 may be modular and configured foreasy removal and replacement. This facilitates component upgrading overa lifetime of the meter 200.

The memory 210 of the radio 202 may store instructions and run-timevariables of the radio 202. For example, the memory 210 may include bothvolatile and non-volatile memory.

The memory 210 may also store a history of sensor readings from themetering sensor 206 and an incoming queue of server instructions.

The processor 212 of the radio 202 may execute instructions, forexample, stored in memory 210. Instructions stored in memory 210 may beordinary instructions, for example, provided at time of meterinstallation, or special instructions received from the server duringrun time.

The transceiver 214 of the radio 202 may transmit and receive wirelesssignals to a mesh network. The transceiver 214 may be configured totransmit sensor readings and status updates under control of theprocessor 212. The transceiver 214 may receive server instructions froma server, which are communicated to the memory 210 and the processor212.

In the example of FIG. 2A, the MCU 216 can execute firmware or softwarerequired by the meter 200. The firmware or software can be installed atmanufacture or via a mesh network over the radio 202.

In one embodiment, any number of MCUs can exist in the meter 200. Forexample, two MCUs can be installed, a first MCU for executing firmwarehandling communication protocols, and a second MCU for handlingapplications.

It will be appreciated that a mesh device and a mesh gate can share thearchitecture of meter 200. The radio 202 and the MCU 216 provide thenecessary hardware, and the MCU 216 executes any necessary firmware orsoftware.

Meters may be located in geographically dispersed locations within anAMI system. For example, a meter may be located near a gas line, anelectric line, or a water line entering a building or premise to monitora quantity of gas, electricity, or water. The meter may communicate withother meters and mesh gates through a mesh network. The meter maytransmit meter readings and receive instructions via the mesh network.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example mesh gate for use within a mesh network.The mesh gate 230 may include a mesh radio 232, a wide area networkinterface 234, a battery 236, and a processor 238. The mesh radio 232may include a memory 242, a processor 244, and a transceiver 246.

The mesh gate 230 may interface between mesh devices (for example,meters) in a mesh network and a server. For example, meters may be asdiscussed above. The mesh gate 230 may be installed in a centrallocation relative to the meters and also communicate with a server overa WAN.

The mesh radio 232 may be a mesh radio configured to communicate withmeters over a mesh network. The radio 232 may transmit, receive, andforward messages to the mesh network.

The WAN interface 234 may communicate with a server over a WAN. Forexample, the WAN may be a cellular network, a private network, a dial upconnection, or any other network. The WAN interface 234 may includeencryption/decryption or other security functions to protect data beingtransmitted to and from the server.

The battery 236 may be configured to independently power the mesh gate230 during a power outage. For example, the battery 236 may be a largecapacitor storing electricity to power the mesh gate 230 for at leastfive minutes after a power outage. A power outage notification processmay be activated during a power outage.

The processor 238 may control the mesh radio 232 and the WAN interface234. Meter information received from the meters over the mesh radio 232may be compiled into composite messages for forwarding to the server.Server instructions may be received from the WAN interface 234 andforwarded to meters in the mesh network.

It will be appreciated that the mesh radio 232, WAN interface 234,battery 236, and processor 238 may be modular and configured for easyremoval and replacement. This facilitates component upgrading over alifetime of the mesh gate 230.

The memory 242 of the mesh radio 232 may store instructions and run-timevariables of the mesh radio 232. For example, the memory 242 may includeboth volatile and non-volatile memory. The memory 242 may also store ahistory of meter communications and a queue of incoming serverinstructions. For example, meter communications may include past sensorreadings and status updates.

The processor 244 of the mesh radio 232 may execute instructions, forexample, stored in memory 242. Instructions stored in memory 242 may beordinary instructions, for example, provided at time of mesh gateinstallation, or special instructions received from the server duringrun-time.

The transceiver 246 of the mesh radio 232 may transmit and receivewireless signals to a mesh network. The transceiver 246 may beconfigured to receive sensor readings and status updates from aplurality of meters in the mesh network. The transceiver 246 may alsoreceive server instructions, which are communicated to the memory 242and the processor 244.

A mesh gate may interface between a mesh network and a server. The meshgate may communicate with meters in the mesh network and communicatewith the server over a WAN network. By acting as a gateway, the meshgate forwards information and instructions between the meters in itsmesh network and the server.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example network stack for use within a mesh radio.A radio 300 may interface with an application process 302. Theapplication process 302 may communicate with an application layer 304,which communicates with a transport layer 306, a network layer 308, adata link layer 310 and a physical layer 312.

The radio 300 may be a mesh radio as discussed above. For example, theradio 300 may be a component in a meter, a mesh gate, or any other meshdevice configured to participate in a mesh network. The radio 300 may beconfigured to transmit wireless signals over a predetermined frequencyto other radios.

The application process 302 may be an executing application thatrequires information to be communicated over the network stack. Forexample, the application process 302 may be software supporting an AMIsystem.

The application layer 304 interfaces directly with and performs commonapplication services for application processes. Functionality includessemantic conversion between associated application processes. Forexample, the application layer 304 may be implemented as ANSI C12.12/22.

The transport layer 306 responds to service requests from theapplication layer 304 and issues service requests to the network layer308. It delivers data to the appropriate application on the hostcomputers. For example, the layer 306 may be implemented as TCP(Transmission Control Protocol), and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

The network layer 308 is responsible for end to end (source todestination) packet delivery. The functionality of the layer 308includes transferring variable length data sequences from a source to adestination via one or more networks while maintaining the quality ofservice, and error control functions. Data will be transmitted from itssource to its destination, even if the transmission path involvesmultiple hops.

The data link layer 310 transfers data between adjacent network nodes ina network, wherein the data is in the form of packets. The layer 310provides functionality including transferring data between networkentities and error correction/detection. For example, the layer 310 maybe implemented as IEEE 802.15.4.

The physical layer 312 may be the most basic network layer, transmittingbits over a data link connecting network nodes. No packet headers ortrailers are included. The bit stream may be grouped into code words orsymbols and converted to a physical signal, which is transmitted over atransmission medium, such as radio waves. The physical layer 312provides an electrical, mechanical, and procedural interface to thetransmission medium. For example, the layer 312 may be implemented asIEEE 802.15.4.

The network stack provides different levels of abstraction forprogrammers within an AMI system. Abstraction reduces a concept to onlyinformation which is relevant for a particular purpose. Thus, each levelof the network stack may assume the functionality below it on the stackis implemented. This facilitates programming features and functionalityfor the AMI system.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example procedure for transmitting outage andrestoration notifications from a meter within a mesh network. A meshdevice, such as a meter, may include a sensor for measuring utilitiesand receive power from a power grid. At times, the power grid may failduring a power outage. The power grid may also be restored after anoutage. The meter may include a battery configured to power the meterfor a period of time, during which the meter executes a power outagenotification procedure to inform a mesh gate and a server of the poweroutage. Similarly, the meter may execute a power restorationnotification when functionality is restored after power is restored tothe power grid.

In 400, the meter may detect a power status change. For example, themeter may include an electric sensor sensing a power, current, orvoltage of an electric line powering the meter from a power grid. Whenthe sensor senses a cut-off in electricity, the meter may wait apredetermined recognition period before determining that a power outagehas occurred.

When a meter's power is restored after an outage, the meter may alsowait a predetermined recognition period before determining that thepower outage has ended and power has been restored. Using a recognitionperiod before an outage or a restoration has occurred prevents the meterfrom trigging the notification procedure for brief outages andrestorations.

In 402, the meter tests whether it is the first to transmit. Forexample, the meter may look up a neighborhood table to determine whetherit is a leaf meter. A leaf meter may have no children meters, and isthus the last meter on its associated branch. For example, FIG. 1depicts meters A 104, B 106, C 108, and F 114 as leaf meters. Meter F114 is a leaf meter because no child meter would transmit through it toreach mesh gate A 102, even though meter F 114 has two alternate pathsto the mesh gate A 102 (F 114 to E 112 to D 110 to mesh gate or F 114 toD 110 to mesh gate).

A one-hop device, which can be a device in direct communications withthe mesh gate, may transmit immediately.

Alternatively, the meter may look up the neighborhood table to determinea number of hops to the mesh gate. If it is farthest from the mesh gateon its branch, it will transmit first. If the meter determines yes, themeter proceeds to 404. If no, the meter proceeds to 410. Theneighborhood table can be built during association requests andsubsequent neighbor exchanges.

In 404, the meter may transmit a notification message. The notificationmessage may include a nature of the notification (whether a power outageor restoration has occurred, as determined in 400) and a meteridentifier. The meter identifier may be a globally unique identifierassigned to the meter at manufacture or installation that identifies themeter to the mesh gate and the server.

If the notification message has previously been transmitted, the metermay attempt a retry transmission. Retries may be attempted until anacknowledgement is received or a predetermined number of retry attemptshas been exceeded.

Information transmitted in the transmission may include a deviceidentifier, a time of outage, and any other necessary information. Inone embodiment, a number of transmitted neighbor information may berestricted. For example, only a predetermined maximum number of parents,siblings, and children node information can be transmitted to limitmessage size. Neighbors can be selected based on a preferred routeratio. Neighbors that are on a preferred route of a meter's path to themesh gate may be prioritized. The preferred route ratio can be used toselect routes with a minimum of hops over a best minimum signal qualitylink to the mesh gate.

In 406, the meter may test whether it has exceeded a predetermined retryattempts. The meter may increment a counter for a number of retriesafter every attempt to transmit a notification message in 404. Thepredetermined retry attempts may be set to limit network congestion,both within the mesh network and over a WAN from a mesh gate to theserver during a power outage and restoration.

Alternatively, the meter may continually attempt to transmit until itsbattery is drained during a power outage notification procedure. Thismay be used in an AMI system where it is important to receive as manyaccurate outage notifications as possible, or where network bandwidth isof lesser concern. If the predetermined retry attempts have been exceed,the procedure ends. If no, the meter procedures to 408.

In 408, the meter optionally delays a random time period. For example,the delay may allow other meters in the mesh network to transmit andreduce collisions. Further, the delay may improve battery life after apower outage.

The random time period may be associated with a predetermined floorvalue, below which it cannot be set. This may be an exclusion periodduring which no retransmission may be attempted by the meter.

In 410, the meter tests whether a child message has been received. Forexample, a non-leaf meter will not transmit during a first attempt, andmay receive notification messages from child meters. If yes, the meterproceeds to 412. If no, the meter proceeds to 404. In one embodiment, ifthe meter determines it has missed the child messages, it mayimmediately transmit its message.

In 412, the meter may insert a meter identifier in the notificationmessage. The notification message received from the child meter in 410may include a status (whether the notification is for a power outage orrestoration) and at least one meter identifier associated with childrenmeters. The meter may insert its own identifier into the message beforeforwarding the message in 404.

By executing the procedure above, leaf meters transmit notificationmessages first. Each meter waits to receive a notification message fromchildren meters before adding its identifier and forwarding thenotification to its parent meter. This reduces message congestion in themesh network during a notification procedure.

In an alternative example, each parent meter may determine how manychildren meters it has, and wait for notification messages from allchildren meters before compiling the messages into one message to beforwarded. Alternatively, the parent meter may wait for a predeterminedperiod of time, because only some children meters may be affected by apower outage.

It will be appreciated that if a meter has not suffered a power outage,it would simply forward any received notification messages to its parentwithout adding its identifier into the message. Similarly, if a parentmeter has not had a power restoration; it will remain off and be unableto forward notification messages. In this example, children meters mayattempt alternative routes to transmit notification messages, asdiscussed below.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example procedure for transmitting outage andrestoration notifications from a mesh gate within a wide area network. Amesh gate and its associated mesh devices, such as meters, may receivepower from a power grid. At times, the power grid may fail during apower outage. The power grid may also be restored after an outage. Themesh gate may include a battery configured to power the mesh gate for aperiod of time, during which the mesh gate executes a power outagenotification procedure to inform a server of the outage and affectedmeters. Similarly, the mesh gate may execute a power restorationnotification when power is restored to the power grid.

In 450, the mesh gate may receive a notification message from a meterwithin its mesh network. For example, the notification message mayinclude a status indicating whether it is an outage or restorationnotification and at least one meter identifier. The notification messagemay be as discussed above.

In 452, the mesh gate may test whether it has finished receivingnotification messages from the mesh network. For example, the mesh gatemay continually receive notification messages until its battery drops toa critical level during an outage. The critical level may be set towhere enough power remains in the battery to allow the mesh gate totransmit its composite notification message to the server, as discussedbelow, along with a predetermined number of retries.

Alternatively, the mesh gate may wait for a predetermined time periodafter receiving a first notification message. For example, thepredetermined time period may be determined, in part, based on the sizeof the mesh network, the maximum number of hops to reach a leaf meter,the link quality of the mesh network, etc.

Alternatively, the mesh gate may proceed as soon as messagenotifications from all children meters within the mesh network have beenreceived. If all children meters are accounted for, the mesh gate doesnot need to wait for further notification messages.

If the mesh gate has finished receiving notification messages, it mayproceed to 454. If no, it may proceed to 450 to await more notificationmessages.

In 454, the mesh gate may select a power reporting configuration. Forexample, two power reporting configurations may be available: one usedfor minor outage, such as one affecting only a few meters, and one usedfor major outages, such as one affecting many meters. The powerreporting configuration may affect the retry attempts and delay periodsdiscussed below.

For example, it may be very important to inform the server of a majoroutage. Thus, a high number of retry attempts may be set. It may belikely that a major outage has affected other mesh networks. Thus, alonger delay period may be used to reduce transmission collisions overthe WAN. In addition, a longer window may be set to wait fornotification messages from meters.

In 456, the mesh gate may aggregate all the notification messages into acomposite notification message. For example, the mesh gate may createthe composite notification message containing a status indicatingwhether an outage or restoration has occurred in the mesh network and alist of meter identifiers associated with the notification. For example,the list of meter identifiers may be received in 452 from one or moremeters.

In one example, the mesh gate may receive both an outage and arestoration notification message. The mesh gate may aggregate a firstnotification message, for example, all received outage notificationmessages, for transmission. Then, the mesh gate may aggregate a secondnotification message, for example, the restoration notification messagefor transmission.

In 458, the mesh gate may transmit the composite notification message tothe server over a WAN. For example, the WAN may be a cellular network, awired network, or another network configured to carry information. Inone example, the WAN used to transmit the composite notification messagemay be a secondary communications medium. A primary wired network mayfail during a power outage, and therefore a backup network may be used.For example, the backup network may be a battery-powered network,cellular network, a battery-powered wired network, or another networkconfigured to operate during an outage.

If the composite notification message has previously been transmitted,the mesh gate may attempt a retry transmission. Retries may be attempteduntil an acknowledgement is received or a predetermined number of retryattempts has been exceeded.

In 460, the mesh gate may test whether a predetermined number of retryattempts has been exceeded. The mesh gate may increment a counter for anumber of retries after every attempt to transmit a notification messagein 458. The predetermined retry attempts may be set to limit networkcongestion over the WAN to the server during a power outage andrestoration.

Alternatively, the mesh gate may continually attempt to transmit untilits battery is drained during a power outage notification procedure.This may be used in an AMI system where it is important to receive asmany accurate outage notifications as possible, or where networkbandwidth is of lesser concern.

For example, the predetermined number of retry attempts may be set inpart based on the power reporting configuration selected in 454. If thepredetermined number of retry attempts has been exceeded, the mesh gatemay end the procedure. If no, the mesh gate may proceed to 462.

In 462, the mesh gate may optionally delay a random time period. Forexample, the delay may allow other mesh gates in the WAN to transmit andreduce collisions. Further, the delay may improve battery life after apower outage.

For example, the delay period may be set in part based on the powerreporting configuration selected in 454. The random time period may beassociated with a floor value, below which it cannot be set. This may bean exclusion period during which no retransmission may be attempted.

The mesh gate may aggregate all notification messages sent to it bymeters over the mesh network. The composite notification messageconsists of a power status and a list of meter identifiers identifyingthe meters affected by the power status. The composite notificationmessage may be transmitted over an outage-resistant communications linkto a server.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first timing of transmitting outage notificationsfrom a meter within a mesh network. A power outage notification processallows orderly transmission of power outage notification from one ormore mesh devices (such as a meter) in a mesh network to a mesh gate.The mesh gate aggregates the notifications and transmits a compositemessage to a server. Because the mesh network may include a large numberof meters, transmitting individual notifications from each meter maycause network congestion, especially because other meters within themesh network are also likely affected by the same outage and will alsobe sending outage notifications.

A recognition period (e.g., RECOGNITION_PERIOD) may elapse between anoccurrence of a power outage and time T1, when the power outage isrecognized by the meter. The recognition period may prevent minor powerfluctuations or outages from triggering the outage notificationprocedure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a second timing of transmitting outage notificationsfrom a meter within a mesh network. The meter may wait for a firstrandom period before a first attempt to send a power outage notificationat time T2. A first attempt wait period (e.g., PO_RND_PERIOD) mayrepresent a maximum random delay in seconds used before the firstattempt. This random delay starts after recognition period(RECOGNITION_PERIOD) elapses at time T1. The first attempt is reservedfor leaf meters. A meter which is not a leaf meter will not transmitduring the first attempt.

The meter may wait for a retry random period before a retry attempt attime T3. A retry wait period (e.g., PO_RETRY_RND_PERIOD) may represent amaximum random delay in seconds used for each retry. This random delaystarts after time T2, when a first transmission attempt occurs.

Using a random delay before the first and retry attempts preventscolliding transmission from multiple meters and reduces networkcongestion. If a meter attempts to transmit but a transmission isalready in progress, the meter may wait for the transmission in progressto end before attempting to transmit.

If a meter receives a notification from a child meter, its transmissionincludes the child's notification plus the meter's identifier. Bypiggy-backing the meter's identifier in a child's notification andforwarding the notification, the number of individual notifications andmessages are reduced in the mesh network.

The meter may continually retry to transmit an outage notification untilthe meter's battery is drained. In addition, there may be apredetermined maximum number retries. In addition, there may be aminimum period for the first delay and the subsequent retry delays. Theminimum delay periods may eliminate the possibility of immediateretransmissions and guarantee a minimum delay between attempts.

The mesh gate may receive all the power outage notification messages andcompile the information into a message for transmission to a server overa WAN. The mesh gate may also retransmit the compiled notification asnecessary, until its battery is drained.

Child meters in a mesh network transmit outage notifications first, andparent meters piggy-back meter identifiers into the child notificationsbefore forwarding the child notifications. A number of messages andnotifications transmitted in the mesh network during an outage arethereby reduced.

FIG. 6 illustrates a timing of transmitting restoration notificationsfrom a meter within a mesh network. A power restoration notificationprocess allows orderly transmission of power restoration notificationmessages from one or more mesh devices (such as a meter) in a meshnetwork to a mesh gate. The mesh gate aggregates the notifications andtransmits a composite message to a server. Because the mesh network mayinclude a large number of meters, transmitting individual notificationsfrom each meter may cause network congestion, especially because othermeters within the mesh network are also likely affected by therestoration and will also be sending restoration notifications.

When power is restored at a meter, the meter may first wait for arecognition period before deciding the power has been restored. Therecognition period may prevent triggering restoration notifications whenpower returns for a brief moment before the outage continues.

A first random period, PR_RND_PERIOD, may represent a maximum randomdelay used before a first attempt is made to send a power restorationnotification. This first random period may begin after the powerrestored recognition period, PR_RECOGNITION_PERIOD. A first notificationmay be transmitted. Only leaf meters transmit during the first attempt.

A retry random period, PR_RETRY_RND_PERIOD, may represent a maximumrandom delay before a retry to send a power restoration notification.The retry random period begins after the first random period.

Using a random delay before the first and retry attempts reducescolliding transmission from multiple meters. If a meter attempts totransmit but a transmission is already in progress, the meter may waitfor the transmission to end before attempting to transmit.

After the first attempt to transmit has been made, the mesh gate maywait a minimum delay (e.g., MIN_DELAY) to time T4 and an additionalrandom period (e.g., RAND_PERIOD) to time T5 before retryingtransmission. Each retry attempt may be preceded by a retry randomperiod (e.g., RETRY_RND_PERIOD) to time T6, and a maximum number ofretry attempts may be set at maximum retries (e.g., MAX_RETRIES). Theprocedure may stop at time T7, after all retry attempts have been made.

If a meter receives a notification from a child meter, its transmissionincludes the child's notification plus the meter's identifier. Bypiggy-backing the meter's identifier in a child's notification andforwarding the notification, the number of individual notifications andmessages are reduced in the mesh network.

The mesh gate may receive all power restoration notification messagesand compile the information into a composite message for transmission toa server over a WAN. Similarly, the mesh gate may also repeatedlyattempt to transmit the composite restoration message until a maximumnumber of retries have been made or the server acknowledges thetransmission.

Child meters in a mesh network transmit restoration notifications first,and parent meters piggy-back meter identifiers into the childnotifications before forwarding the child notifications. A number ofmessages and notifications transmitted in the mesh network during arestoration are thereby reduced.

If a child meter attempts to forward a message to a parent meter that isnot functional (for example, the parent meter's power has not beenrestored); the child meter may wait a predetermined period of time. Ifthe parent meter remains non-functional, the child meter may attempt tosend its notification via an alternative path through the mesh networkstored in its memory. If that fails, the child meter may attempt todiscover a new route through the mesh network to the mesh gate. If thatfails, the child meter may attempt to associate with a new mesh networkin order to transmit its restoration notification message.

Although the above embodiments have been discussed with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that the variousmodification, combinations and changes can be made to these embodiments.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The foregoingspecification provides a description with reference to specificexemplary embodiments. It will be evident that various modifications maybe made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope asset forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than arestrictive sense.

1. A method of transmitting a meter power status, comprising:recognizing a power status change at a meter; if the meter is scheduledto transmit first, transmitting a notification message to at least oneneighboring meter towards a mesh gate, wherein the notification messageincludes a power status indicator and a meter identifier; if the meteris not scheduled to transmit first, waiting a predetermined time periodto receive a notification message from at least one neighboring meter;responsive to receiving a notification message, adding a meteridentifier to the received notification message before retransmittingthe modified notification message to at least one neighboring meter; andretransmitting the notification message.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the power status change is at least one of: a power outage and apower restoration.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: waitinga random time period before retransmitting the notification message. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the meter is scheduled to transmit firstif it has a high number of hops from the mesh gate.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the meter is scheduled to transmit first if it is aleaf node in a mesh network.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the metercommunicates with neighboring meters via a mesh network.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: responsive to a first failure to receivean acknowledgement, retransmitting the notification message over analternative mesh network path; responsive to a second failure to receivean acknowledgement, retransmitting the notification message through anewly discovered mesh network path; and responsive to a third failure toreceive an acknowledgement, associating with a new mesh network andretransmitting the notification message over the new mesh network.
 8. Amethod of transmitting a network power status, comprising: receiving atleast one notification message from a meter, wherein the notificationmessage include a power status indicator and at least one meteridentifier; aggregating the received meter identifiers into a compositenotification message, the composite notification message including apower status indicator and at least one meter identifier; transmittingthe composite notification message to a server over a wide area network;and retransmitting the composite notification message.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the power status indicator indicates at least one of: apower outage and a power restoration.
 10. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: waiting a random time period before retransmitting thecomposite notification message.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein thenotification messages are received via a mesh network.
 12. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: selecting an isolated outage reportingconfiguration or a major outage reporting configuration, wherein themajor outage reporting configuration includes a longer aggregationwindow.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the composite notificationmessage is not retransmitted during an exclusion period.
 14. The methodof claim 8, wherein the wide area network is resistant to power outages.15. A system for transmitting a network power status, comprising: (A) amesh network; (B) a wide area network separate from the mesh network;(C) at least one meter in communication with the mesh network, the meterconfigured to: recognize a power status change at a meter, if the meteris scheduled to transmit first, transmit a notification message to atleast one neighboring meter towards a mesh gate, wherein thenotification message includes a power status indicator and a meteridentifier, if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first, wait apredetermined time period to receive a notification message from atleast one neighboring meter, responsive to receiving a notificationmessage, adding a meter identifier to the received notification messagebefore retransmitting the modified notification message to at least oneneighboring meter, and retransmitting the notification message; (D) amesh gate in communication with the meter over the mesh network and incommunication with the wide area network, the mesh gate configured to:receive at least one notification message from a meter, wherein thenotification messages include a power status indicator and at least onemeter identifier, aggregate the received meter identifiers into acomposite notification message, the composite notification messageinclude a power status indicator and at least one meter identifier,transmit the composite notification message to a server over a wide areanetwork, and retransmitting the composite notification message; and (E)a server in communication with the mesh gate over the wide area network,the server configured to receive the composite notification message. 16.The system of claim 15, wherein the power status change is at least oneof: a power outage and a power restoration.
 17. The system of claim 15,wherein the meter is scheduled to transmit first if it has a high numberof hops from the mesh gate.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein themeter is scheduled to transmit first if it is a leaf node in a meshnetwork.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the mesh gate is furtherconfigured to select an isolated outage reporting configuration or amajor outage reporting configuration, wherein the major outage reportingconfiguration includes a longer aggregation window.
 20. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the mesh gate does not retransmit the compositenotification message during an exclusion period.
 21. A system fortransmitting a network power status, comprising: a mesh network; a widearea network separate from the mesh network; at least one meter incommunication with the mesh network; a mesh gate in communication withthe meter over the mesh network and in communication with the wide areanetwork; and a server in communication with the mesh gate over the widearea network, the server configured to receive the compositenotification message.
 22. A computer program stored in a computerreadable form for execution in a processor and a processor coupledmemory to implement a method of transmitting a meter power status, themethod comprising: recognizing a power status change at a meter; if themeter is scheduled to transmit first, transmitting a notificationmessage to at least one neighboring meter towards a mesh gate, whereinthe notification message includes a power status indicator and a meteridentifier; if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first, waiting apredetermined time period to receive a notification message from atleast one neighboring meter; responsive to receiving a notificationmessage, adding a meter identifier to the received notification messagebefore retransmitting the modified notification message to at least oneneighboring meter; and retransmitting the notification message.
 23. Acomputer program stored in a computer readable form for execution in aprocessor and a processor coupled memory to implement a method oftransmitting a network power status, comprising: receiving at least onenotification message from a meter, wherein the notification messageinclude a power status indicator and at least one meter identifier;aggregating the received meter identifiers into a composite notificationmessage, the composite notification message including a power statusindicator and at least one meter identifier; transmitting the compositenotification message to a server over a wide area network; andretransmitting the composite notification message.
 24. A method oftransmitting a meter power status, comprising: recognizing a powerstatus change at a meter; if the meter is scheduled to transmit first,transmitting a notification message from the meter to at least oneneighboring meter towards a mesh gate, wherein the notification messageincludes a power status indicator and a meter identifier; if the meteris not scheduled to transmit first, waiting a predetermined time periodto receive a notification message from at least one neighboring meter;responsive to receiving a notification message, adding a meteridentifier to the received notification message before retransmittingthe modified notification message to at least one neighboring meter,wherein the notification message include a power status indicator and atleast one meter identifier; aggregating the received meter identifiersinto a composite notification message, the composite notificationmessage including a power status indicator and at least one meteridentifier; transmitting the composite notification message to a serverover a wide area network; and retransmitting the composite notificationmessage.
 25. A computer program stored in a computer readable form forexecution in a processor and a processor coupled memory to implement amethod of transmitting a meter power status, the method comprising:recognizing a power status change at a meter; if the meter is scheduledto transmit first, transmitting a notification message from the meter toat least one neighboring meter towards a mesh gate, wherein thenotification message includes a power status indicator and a meteridentifier; if the meter is not scheduled to transmit first, waiting apredetermined time period to receive a notification message from atleast one neighboring meter; responsive to receiving a notificationmessage, adding a meter identifier to the received notification messagebefore retransmitting the modified notification message to at least oneneighboring meter, wherein the notification message include a powerstatus indicator and at least one meter identifier; aggregating thereceived meter identifiers into a composite notification message, thecomposite notification message including a power status indicator and atleast one meter identifier; transmitting the composite notificationmessage to a server over a wide area network; and retransmitting thecomposite notification message.